Ashes and Crowns

g streets she knew. The house stood like a fortress of wealth and secrets, its marble pillars gleaming under the afternoon sun. The gard

. "You have to be strong," he told Eliana, who sat gripping her co

nights dreaming of this moment-imagining reunions filled with hugs, apo

e opens the door, her attire is traditional, with a black dress, white apron, and a matching cap neatly placed

y, walking with a quiet confidence, her heels clicking softly on the floor. Her eyes are cast downward

ile she leaves. A tall woman in a white tailored dress is seated, her dark hair pulled int

his voice steady but carry

. Benson. What a surprise." Her gaze shifted to Eliana, l

took a tentative step forwar

r eyes narrowing. "You're not

it Eliana l

el, "How can you say that

ly at him "And how d

omfort "Look, if I had an option I wouldn't bring her here but her fathers died

stands "If she's to stay her then she

ut the air felt cold and oppressive. Mirabel's voice was clipped and distant as she gave instru

abel emphasized sh

n squeezed her hand. "Don't worry, your

wed were a nightmar

lnerability and preyed on it mercilessly. Vanessa would shove her into c

p tongue, took every chance to humilia

wing the bitterness. But each insult, each sh

arkness, a small

ant, with eyes full of kindness and curiosity. One afternoon, Elian

iled softly. "You're n

surprised. "Wh

so innocent. You don't a

a small laugh

ts a flower in it "I really like you

ide Eliana-a fragile hope that maybe, just maybe, she coul

s and sneers, Eliana sat alone by the kitchen hearth

ted to be invisible and not utter a word about me to anyone, do you

Why did you leave me?" she whispered, v

e things are better left forg

ced through E

pillow, swallowing her sobs. Her mother was a stranger-a queen of shadows who ru

those shadows and into the light. One day, she would claim